Tag: BJP

Categories
-Top News India News Maharashtra

BJP Maha manifesto promises $1 tn economy plan 

The BJP’s manifesto released by Amit Shah and other leaders in Mumbai, promises Rs 2,100 to women every month, a loan waiver of upto 15,000 for farmers including 20 per cent subsidy on MSP, stability on prices of essential commodities, and reduction in electricity bills among other assurances….reports Asian Lite News

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday released its manifesto for the upcoming Assembly polls in Maharashtra, which promises a total of 25 assurances to the people of the State if elected to power for another term in the State. 

The BJP’s manifesto released by Amit Shah and other leaders in Mumbai, promises Rs 2,100 to women every month, a loan waiver of upto 15,000 for farmers including 20 per cent subsidy on MSP, stability on prices of essential commodities, and reduction in electricity bills among other assurances. 

For food security, the party has said they will provide free food grains to low-income families through the Akshya Anna Yojana 

The party has also promised to bring forth the plan of ‘Vision Maharashtra @2028’ in the first 100 days of the government formation. 

In terms of healthcare, the BJP has promised Vivekanada Youth Health Card, and annual health check-ups for young people. A policy for senior citizens with aadhar-enabled services and dedicated Out Patient Departments. 

For education and entrepreneurship, the party promises reimbursement of tuition and examination for for students from marginalised sections, including Other Backwards Classes, Special Backwards Classes, Economically Weaker Sections and Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes, including giving upto Rs 10,000 to students for studies and creation of 25 lakh jobs. 

Additionally, it has promised an interest free loans for upto 15 lakh to encourage entrepreneurship, establishment of Chjhhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Aspiration Centre in every district and conducting a skill census across the state. 

The party has also promised investment in various sectors, with the aim of making Maharashtra a USD 1 trillion economy by the year 2028, including making cities like Nagpur, Pune, Nashik as aerospace hubs. 

‘Vision Maharashtra @2028’, the BJP manifesto said, will be presented within 100 days of government formation and the goal is to make Maharashtra a one trillion dollar economy. 

With the promise of investing in Artificial Intelligence, the party has said it aims to make Maharashtra the capital of fintech and AI they will provide opportunities in robotics and AI training through Marathi and Atal Tinkering labs. 

For women’s welfare, the party has assured Rs 2,100 for women, giving a total of 25,200 per year to each woman. It mentioned the goal of making 50 lakh women as Lakhpati didis by 2027, making 1000 crores available in revolving funds. Similarly for the elderly, the party has promised an increase in pension of Rs 21,500 to Rs 82,100. 

In culture and religion, the party has promised to bring in an anti-conversion law, preserve the forts and historical heritage of the state. 

For rural development, the construction of roads in 45,000 villages is promised. (ANI) 

Sule accuses BJP of looting Maharashtra 

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) leader Supriya Sule has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its lack of response to Congress’s accusations, accusing the party of looting both the country and the state of Maharashtra. 

Speaking to ANI, Sule also highlighted the suffering of farmers and women, placing the blame squarely on the BJP. 

“The Bharatiya Janata Party has nothing to say against us because they have looted the country and looted this state. The suffering of farmers, the suffering of women, the atrocities on women–if anyone is responsible for this, it is the Bharatiya Janata Party. They started it, and since then, women have been getting threats daily. The BJP’s dirty politics, with their MPs in Kolhapur threatening women, will be challenged in court. The Election Commission has already been approached by the Congress party, and we will fight against this goon-like behaviour with all our strength,” Sule said. 

Sule further accused the BJP of stealing development schemes and claimed the party had no agenda for Maharashtra’s future. “Your so-called development schemes are all stolen. The BJP has no agenda left, so they are resorting to dirty politics,” she said. 

Taking a swipe at BJP’s failure to address corruption, inflation, and unemployment, Sule said, “We will bring an honest government to Maharashtra.”. 

Earlier on Saturday, Sule accused the BJP-led government of misusing probe agencies against opposition leaders, saying that anyone facing allegations or charges who joins the BJP is cleared of all cases. 

“I have been seeing ICE for two years. ICE means income tax, CBI, and ED. The way those in opposition are targeted with these agencies, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, by an invisible power, is wrong. The agencies are not bad, and the people working there are good. The problem is with the invisible power. Ninety-five percent of the cases target the opposition, and if that person joins the BJP, all is forgiven,” she said. 

Sule, who is an MP, held a roadshow in support of Congress candidate Datta Bahirat from the Shivajinagar Assembly constituency. 

Leaders of NCP(SP) have expressed confidence in Maha Vikas Aghadi’s victory in the upcoming assembly polls. The MVA coalition, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), is seeking to oust the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the BJP, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. 

The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with votes to be counted on November 23. (ANI) 

ALSO READ: ‘India’s approach aimed at building long-term partnerships’ 

Categories
Asia News India News Politics

BJP releases first list of 99 candidates for Maha polls

Mumbai unit BJP chief Ashish Shelar has been fielded again from Bandra West while his brother Vinod Shelar has been nominated from Malad West…reports Asian Lite News

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released its first list of 99 candidates including Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state unit party chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule for the November 20 Assembly elections.

Fadnavis has been renominated from Nagpur South West while Bawankule, who was denied a ticket in the 2019 Assembly polls and later nominated to the state council, was fielded from Kamthi.

Mumbai unit BJP chief Ashish Shelar has been fielded again from Bandra West while his brother Vinod Shelar has been nominated from Malad West.

The party has renominated its sitting 71 legislators — a move political analysts describe as preferring continuity to avoid rebellion and internal bickering.

The BJP, which is yet to reach a seat-sharing agreement with Shiv Sena and NCP, has preferred to mostly renominate the sitting legislators and applied social engineering in giving representation to various sections of society.

Of the 99 candidates, the party has fielded 13 women including Shweta Mahale (Chikhali); Shrijaya Ashok Chavan, who is the daughter of former chief minister and BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Chavan (Bhoyar); Meghana Bordikar (Jintur); Anuradhatai Chavan (Phulambri); Seema Hire (Nashik West) and Sulabha Gaikwad, who is the wife of sitting legislator Ganpat Gaikwad — who is currently in jail — from Kalyan East.

The women nominees also include Manda Mhatre (Belapur), Manisha Chaudhari (Dahisar), Vidya Thakur (Goregaon), Madhuri Misal (Parvati), Monika Rajale (Shevgaon), Pratibha Pachpute, who is wife of sitting legislator Babanrao Pachpute (Shrigonda) and Namita Mundada (Kaij).

Out of all the women candidates, Shrijaya Chavan, Sulabha Gaikwad, Pratibha Pachpute and Anuradhatai Chavan have been nominated for the first time, while nine others have been renominated.

The party has renominated Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar. The list of ministers who were renominated again, include Vijaykumar Gavit from Nandurbar (ST); Girish Mahajan (Jamner); Sudhir Mungantiwar — who lost the Lok Sabha election from Chandrapur seat — from Ballarpur; Atul Save (Aurangabad east); Ravindra Chavan (Dombivali); Mangal Prabhat Lodha (Malabar Hill); Chandrakant Patil (Kothrud); Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil (Shirdi) and Suresh Khadse [Miraj (SC)].

Other candidates who have been renominated, include Rajesh Padvi (Shahada ST); Jaikumar Rawal (Sindhkheda); Kashiram Powara (Shirpur ST), Sanjay Savkare (Bhusawal SC), Suresh Bhole (Jalgaon City), Mangesh Chavan (Chalisgaon), Akash Phundkar (Khamgaon), Sanjay Kute (Jalgaon Jamod), Randhir Savarkar (Akola East), Pratap Adsad (Dhamangaon Railway), Pravin Tayde (Achalpur), Rajesh Bakane, who lost in 2019 election (Deoli), Samir Kunawar (Hinganghat), Pankaj Bhoyar (Wardha), Sameer Meghe (Hingna), Mohan Mate (Nagpur South), Krishna Khopde (Nagpur East), Vijay Rahangdale (Tirora), Vinod Agrawal (Gondiya), Sanjay Puram, who lost in 2019 election (Amgaon ST), among others.

The party has also fielded Rahul Awade, who is the son of a former minister Prakash Awade, from Ichalkaranji, Amar Mahadik (Kolhapur south), Shivajirao Kardile (Rahuri), Shankar Jagtap replacing the sitting legislator Ashwini Jagtap (Chinchwad), Mahesh Baldi (Uran), Rajan Naik (Nalasopara) and Anup Agarwal (Dhule City).

ALSO READ: Netanyahu: Hezbollah’s Attack a ‘Grave Mistake

Categories
-Top News India News Politics

BJP to stay with Saini as Haryana CM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled Saini to congratulate him on the stunning and record-setting win which BJP leaders described as “well-earned…reports Asian Lite News

Top BJP leadership on Tuesday signalled Nayab Singh Saini as its clear choice for the Haryana chief minister as the party created history by returning to power for a third term in a row.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled Saini to congratulate him on the stunning and record-setting win which BJP leaders described as “well-earned and deserved given the short time Saini was given to make a difference”.

Born on January 25, 1970 in Ambala, Saini replaced Manohar Lal Khattar as Haryana CM in March 2024 in the party’s bid to ward off anti-incumbency.

Khattar, who ran the Haryana government from 2014 to March 2024, was seen as arrogant.

In the short governance run of about six months, Saini fielded criticism as well as opposition Congress-led narratives that “jawan-pehelwaan-kisan” were angry with the saffron party and would “teach it a lesson”.

“It is clear that the people of Haryana have voted for the BJP government’s work over the past 10 years, for PM Modi’s policies and governance style and for our entire party. It was being said that sections were angry with us. But people understand everything. We did a lot for the farmers. Haryana’s democracy and voters are very mature, and they speak today,” Khattar said in Delhi. 

All day today, top BJP leaders huddled at the residence of Khattar in Delhi to discuss the way forward and chalk out a plan for delivery of election promises to the people of Haryana. On Saini as CM, Khattar indicated it was a given but added: “Our parliamentary board will take the decision.”

In party circles, Saini was seen as more affable and accessible than his mentor Khattar, who was eased out of state politics and made a union minister after Modi won a third term at the Centre. Khattar stayed away from active campaigning in Haryana with the BJP depending on its OBC face Saini to deliver the goods.

While the Congress put all its eggs in one basket of Jat stalwart Bhupinder Singh Hooda, alienating senior leaders such as Kumari Selja who made her angst public, the BJP focused on all castes, mainly the non-Jats. The BJP ended up sweeping even the majority of Jat-dominated seats with sources pointing to counter-consolidation of other communities in favour of the ruling party which the exit pollsters had written off.

Modi targets Congress

Modi on Tuesday took a jibe at Congress over its complaint and subsequent letter to the Election Commission regarding “slowdown in updating results” of assembly polls in Haryana and alleged that the opposition party wants to tarnish every institution.

He also apparently referrred to Congress not accepting the outcome of Haryana polls.  The Congress has said that the outcome is “totally unexpected, completely surprising, counter-intuitive and against ground-reality”.

Addressing party workers in Delhi after BJP victory in Haryana polls, PM Modi alleged that Congress has tried to mislead the people of the country.

“Whether it is the Election Commission of the country, the police, the judiciary, the Congress wants to tarnish every institution. You will remember the kind of ruckus they created before the results of the Lok Sabha elections. During the elections too, these people and their urban Naxalite allies had gone to the Supreme Court to tarnish the image of the Election Commission. Today also they have done the same. Congress has tried to mislead the people of the country. Congress always tries to question the impartiality of our institutions, tries to tarnish their reputation. This has been the habit of Congress. Congress has been doing such things shamelessly,” he said.

He also took “parjeevi” jibe at Congress over results in Jammu and Kashmir.  The National Conference-Congress alliance won majority in the assembly polls with the former accounting for over three-fourth seats won by the alliance.

“In J-K, its (Congress) allies were already worried that they were suffering losses because of Congress and today’s results have shown the same. You must remember that we saw the same thing in the election results as well. In Lok Sabha, half of the seats won by Congress were because of their allies. Apart from this, where the allies trusted Congress, the boat of those allies sank. In many states, the allies of Congress had to bear the brunt of Congress’s poor performance,” he said.

“Congress is such a parasite party that swallows its allies. Congress wants to make such a country where people hate their own heritage, doubt their national institutions, wants to tarnish the image of everything that the countrymen are proud of. Whether it is the country’s Election Commission, the country’s police, the country’s judiciary, Congress wants to tarnish every institution,” he added.   

ALSO READ: J&K’s Verdict is Loud and Clear

Categories
India News Politics Sport

Vinesh Phogat launches scathing attack on BJP

Vinesh stated that the symbol of ‘Hand’ will act as a slap and will strike the BJP government on October 5….reports Asian Lite News

Wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

Vinesh, a Congress candidate, filed her nomination from the Julana Assembly constituency last week. Vinesh took a jibe at the ruling BJP government before the Haryana Assembly elections, set to be held on October 5.

Vinesh used the Congress party’s symbol as a metaphor. She stated that the symbol of ‘Hand’ will act as a slap and will strike the BJP government on October 5.

“You know my party symbol; don’t press the wrong one. This time Congress’ symbol of hand will act as a slap. On October 5, this slap will strike in Delhi,” Vinesh said.

She went on to claim that the BJP government has failed to respect the people of Haryana. She questioned the need for the presence of such a government where the people are not respected.

“We have to take revenge for unemployment and your insult that has prevailed for the past 10 years. We are willing to put our lives on the line to protect our respect. But, the BJP government has not respected it. If our respect is taken away, then what shall we do with such a government,” Vinesh added.

Vinesh was one of the leading wrestlers during the protest launched against the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh last year over his alleged sexual harassment of several women wrestlers.

Vinesh joined the Congress party on September 6, along with Olympian wrestler Bajrang Punia, following her disqualification from the women’s 50kg final at the Paris Olympics.

She is pitted against BJP candidate Captain Yogesh Bairagi in Julana for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections.

The counting of votes will be held on October 8. In the 2019 assembly polls, the BJP became the single-largest party with 40 seats, and Congress won 30 seats. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Saini is BJP’s CM face in Haryana, asserts Pradhan

Categories
Asia News India News Politics

BJP’s double game harming youth socially, claims Priyanka

Priyanka’s remark comes on the back of the Supreme Court taking cognisance of the matter pertaining to 69,000 teachers in the state….reports Asian Lite News

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Tuesday trained guns at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over Teachers recruitment case in Uttar Pradesh and alleged that its ‘double game’ was hurting the youth from both reserved and unreserved categories socially, economically and mentally.

Priyanka took to her X handle and wrote, “The anti-youth and anti-social justice attitude adopted by the BJP in the matter of recruitment of 69,000 teachers in UP is shocking. By playing a double game, youth from both reserved and unreserved categories are being harmed socially, economically and mentally.”

Her remark comes on the back of the Supreme Court taking cognisance of the matter pertaining to 69,000 teachers in the state. The Apex stayed the Allahabad High Court order asking the Uttar Pradesh government to prepare a fresh selection list for the appointment of 69,000 assistant teachers in the state.

“First, the reservation scam in the recruitment process took away the rights of hundreds of Dalit and backward candidates. And even now the BJP’s intention is to delay and misdirect social justice,” Priyanka said further while demanding that “the injustice must stop”.

While putting a stay on the Allahabad High Court order, the SC bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra also served notices to Uttar Pradesh government as well as to Secretary of the UP Basic Education Board. The bench has posted the matter for the next hearing in the week commencing 23 September.

The controversy over recruitment of 69,000 Assistant teachers hails its origin from UP government’s 2018 advertisement, through which it sought to hire tutors in the state’s Basic Education Department.

The ATRE was held in January 2019. More than 4 lakh candidates appeared for examinations, the results of which were declared in two sets. The cut-off was fixed differently, 67.11 per cent for general category candidates, 66.73 per cent for Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates and 61.01 per cent for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates.

Two lists of selected candidates were declared. A total of 31,277 candidates and 36,590 candidates were declared, totalling 67,867 of the 69,000 posts. The rest 1,133 posts for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates remained unfilled due to the non-availability of candidates from the category.

The selection process got embroiled in controversy after questions over raised over its ‘biased and partisan’ approach. It was alleged that the General category candidates got representation, more than their due, thereby eating into reservations of OBCs and SC/STs.

ALSO READ: Rahul hails SC’s observations, slams BJP’s ‘bulldozer policy’

Categories
Asia News India News Politics

BJP Drops Six MLAs in Haryana, Including Two Ministers

BJP denied nomination to six legislators, comprising two ministers — Education Minister Seema Trikha and Public Health Minister Banwari Lal — besides state president Mohan Lal Badoli….reports Asian Lite News

With its second list for the 90-member Assembly in Haryana, the BJP on Monday dropped six legislators, comprising two ministers, and the state party chief. The list also comprises two Muslim candidates.

In Tuesday’s list, the party denied nomination to six legislators, comprising two ministers — Education Minister Seema Trikha and Public Health Minister Banwari Lal — besides state president Mohan Lal Badoli, who had announced to opt out of the contest.

The BJP is yet to announce candidates for three seats — Faridabad-NIT, Sirsa and Mahendergarh.

The four legislators who denied re-nomination were Hodal (SC) legislator Jagdish Nayar, Hathin’s Praveen Dagar, Pataudi’s (SC) Satya Prakash and Ganaur’s Nirmal Rani, while the dropped ministers were Banwari Lal from Bawal (SC reserved) and Seema Trikha from Badhkal.

State president Badoli, the legislator from Rai, has been replaced by Krishna Gehlawat.

In the second list of 21 candidates, the BJP has pitted Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Vice-President Captain Yogesh Bairagi, who is the co-convener of BJP’s state sports cell, against Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who recently joined the Congress.

The party has fielded Pawan Saini from Naraingarh, the seat represented by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini from 2014-2019 in his maiden entry into state politics, while Satpal Jamba has been nominated from Pundri.

Saini is believed to be a close confidante of Saini, who filed his nomination papers on Tuesday from Ladwa. With a sizeable Other Backward Class (OBC) population, particularly voters of the Saini community, this seat is being considered safe for the Chief Minister.

Yogender Rana has been fielded from Assandh, while Devender Kaushik has been fielded from Ganaur, replacing sitting legislator Nirmal Rani.

Baldev Singh Mangiana will fight the Dabwali seat, Manish Grover has been nominated for Rohtak, Om Prakash Yadav for Narnaul, Krishna Kumar for Bawal (SC), Bimla Chaudhary for Pataudi (SC), Sanjay Singh for Nuh and Naseem Ahmed for the Ferozepur Jhirka seat.

Aizaz Khan has been fielded from Punhana, Manoj Rawat from Hathin, and Harinder Singh Ramrattan from Hodal (SC).

After the release of its first list of 67 candidates on September 4, at least 12 party leaders, including Cabinet minister Ranjit Singh Chautala, one legislator and six ex-legislators resigned from the party owing to dissent.

The BJP has also changed its candidate for the Pehowa seat. Earlier, the party had given the ticket to Kanwaljit Singh Ajarana. Due to opposition, he declined to contest. Now the party has made Jai Bhagwan Sharma the candidate.

The ruling BJP is facing stiff competition to retain its helm for the third consecutive term from a resurgent Congress.

New Delhi: AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Gopal Rai flag off party’s flag during a celebration as the party gets the status of National Party after the declaration of Gujarat assembly election results, AAP office in New Delhi on Thursday, December 08, 2022. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS) CREATOR: gd-jpeg v1.0 (using IJG JPEG v62), quality = 100

AAP releases third list of candidates for Haryana polls

The Aam Aadmi party on Tuesday announced the third list of candidates for the 90-member Haryana Assembly elections on October 5.

In the third list of candidates, the party has decided to field Bheem Singh Rathi from Radaur, Amar Singh (Nilokheri), Amit Kumar (Israna), Rajesh Saroha (Rai), Manjeet Farmana (Kharkhauda), Pravin Guskhani (Garhi Sampla-Kiloi), Naresh Bagri (Kalanaur), Mahendar Dahiya (Jhajjhar), Suneel Rao (Ateli), Satish Yadav (Rewari), and Col Rajendra Rawat (Hathin).

The Aam Aadmi party, in its second list, fielded Ritu Bamaniya from Sadhaura, Krishan Bajaj from Thanesar, Hawa Singh from Indir, Mukhtiyar Singh Bazigar from Ratia and Bhupendra Beniwal from Adampur.

Chhatar Pal Singh from Barwala, Jawah1ar Lal from Bawal, Pravesh Mehta from Faridabad and Abash Chandela from Tigaon have also been fielded.

The second list came after BJP leaders from the state, Sunil Rao and Satish Yadav, joined the AAP in the presence of AAP Haryana unit chief Sushil Gupta and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh.

In the first list of candidates that was released on Monday, the party had announced candidates for some prominent seats in the state, like Bhiwani, Rohtak, Bahadurgarh, and Ballabhgarh.

The AAP has fielded Gurpal Singh from Naraingarh, Anurag Dhandha from Kalayat, Narender Sharma from Pundri, Jaipal Sharma from Gharaunda, Amandeep Jundla from Assandh, Bittu Pahalwan from Samalkha, Pawan Fauji from Uchana Kalan, Kuldeep Gadrana from Dabwali, and Happy Raina from Rania seat.

While Indu Sharma has been fielded from Bhiwani, Bijender Hooda from Rohtak, Kuldeep Chikara from Bahadurgarh, Manish Yadav from Mahendragarh, Dharmendra Khatana from Sohna, and Ravinder Faujdar from Ballabhgarh.

The voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The counting of votes will be held on October 8.

The last date for filing nominations is September 12. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Rahul hails SC’s observations, slams BJP’s ‘bulldozer policy’

Categories
Asia News India News Politics

BJP to clear Muslim misconceptions on Waqf Bill

BJP Minority Morcha has formed the 7-member team on August 31. The team will submit its report to the BJP National President and the JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal….reports Asian Lite News

The Bharatiya Janata Party is all set to engage in a dialogue with the Muslim community on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, as the seven-member team constituted in this regard held its first meeting at the party headquarters here on Tuesday.

At the meeting, a line of action was prepared to reach out to the community, seeking their suggestions, and clear up any misconception about the bill.

National President of BJP’s Minority Morcha Jamal Siddiqui, National General Secretary of the BJP (Org) BL Santosh, Dushyant Gautam, in-charge of BJP Minority Morcha held the meeting with the seven member team.

BJP Minority Morcha has formed the 7-member team on August 31. The team will submit its report to the BJP National President and the JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal.

The team will explain why properties are given to Waqf and how it is being “misused,” emphasizing the need for amendments to the Waqf Board.

This 7-member team will talk with the Waqf Board chairmen, former chairmen, and members across the country who will dialogue with Muslim society in their respective states.

Assigned waqf board leaders will engage in dialogue with the Muslim community through various means in their respective states.

The team members include Waqf Board Chairmen of four BJP-ruled states Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Shadab Shams, Sanawar Patel, Chaudhary Zakir Hussain, Mohsin Lokhandwala, respectively and two members of BJP’s National Executive, Maulana Habib Haider, Nasir Hussain, and Rajbali, former Chairman of the Waqf Board, Himachal Pradesh.

According to sources, a committee of seven members will run several awareness campaigns regarding the confusion being spread by the opposition regarding the Waqf Board, so that people do not have any kind of confusion regarding the Waqf Board Amendment Bill.

BL Santosh has asked more and more people to seek suggestions so that Muslims do not feel that the waqf Board will work contrary to them.

According to sources, the seven-member committee will soon meet the Joint Parliamentary Committee chairman Jagdambika Pal and give the suggestions taken from the Muslim communities.

THE Centre has referred the Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduced in Parliament during the Budget Session to the JPC. (ANI)

ALSO READ: ASEAN Boosts Intelligence Cooperation

Categories
India News Jammu & Kashmir Politics

‘Situation will not arise for BJP, NC to come together’

In the run-up to the Assembly elections, the NC defector claimed that NC supremo Farooq Abdullah always wanted to go “hand-in-hand” with the central government….reports Asian Lite News

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devender Singh Rana affirmed on Tuesday that the BJP and National Conference will not come together as he reiterated his earlier claim that NC leader Omar Abdullah attempted to ally with BJP in 2014.

In the run-up to the Assembly elections, the NC defector claimed that NC supremo Farooq Abdullah always wanted to go “hand-in-hand” with the central government.

“He (Omar Abdullah) was interim CM and didn’t want to leave power. He wanted NC to be in power in one way or the other. Farooq Abdullah was abroad and he asked him to go and talk to the BJP and stay in Government somehow. BJP was in the centre so Farooq Abdullah always wanted to go hand in hand with the central government. Now the situation will not arise for BJP and NC to come together,” Rana said while addressing a press conference in Jammu on Tuesday.

Rana earlier claimed that NC leader and former J-K CM Omar Abdullah met with BJP leaders Amit Shah and Ram Madhav in 2014 to request the formation of a government with NC.

“Omar Abdullah is trying to mislead the people of Kashmir by telling them that every political party except the National Conference is with the BJP. In 2014, when I was a part of the National Conference, we knocked on every door asking people to form government with us as we had only 15 people. Omar Abdullah says that at the time they met Amit Shah and Ram Madhav to urge them to form the government with NC. As at the time BJP had declined NC’s request, they are saying all this now,” Devender Rana said on Monday.

Congress and the National Conference are fighting the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir together. According to a seat-sharing agreement, the National Conference (NC) will contest 51 of the 90 seats, and the Congress will contest 32.

The two parties will also contest five seats against each other. One seat each has been allocated for CPI(M) and Panthers Party. The Samajwadi Party (SP) has also extended its support to the Congress and National Conference alliance in the J-K polls.

Jammu and Kashmir has 90 assembly constituencies, with 7 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 9 for Scheduled Tribes (STs). The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to vote in three phases – September 18, 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will be on October 8. It is the first assembly poll since the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI)

45 candidates in fray in Pulwama

Xxx

A total of 45 candidates are in the fray for assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district after the completion of the nomination process here.

Pulwama district consists of four assembly consitutuencies. “The nomination process has been completed and all our candidates have been finalized in all the assembly constituencies,” Pulwama District Election Officer Basharat Qayoom said.

“There are 45 candidates in the 4 assembly constituencies and the maximum number of them are in Pampore, 14 candidates. We have 481 polling stations in the entire district, total voters in the district are more than 4,07,000,” he added.

Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to vote in three phases – September 18, 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will be on October 8. It is the first assembly poll in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

Cong leader threatens to contest against Omar

In an unexpected turn of events, the Congress district president of J&K’s Ganderbal district on Tuesday threatened to fight as an Independent candidate against National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah if denied candidature by the party.

Omar Abdullah is fighting the Assembly elections from the Ganderbal Assembly constituency while Gujjar leader, Mian Meher Ali is fighting the election as the NC candidate from the Kangan (ST) constituency of the district.

Both Kangan and Ganderbal are two Assembly constituencies in North Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

As per the pre-poll alliance, the NC will fight from 52 seats and Congress from 31 seats in the J&K Assembly elections.

On Tuesday, Congress district president (Ganderbal), Sahil Farooq threatened to stand as an independent candidate against Omar Abdullah if the Congress doesn’t give him the party mandate.

“If we can fight a friendly contest on five seats, why not in Ganderbal as well? I am willing to contest the upcoming Assembly elections under the party’s banner if a friendly contest between the Congress and NC is permitted in the Ganderbal constituency similar to the arrangements in other constituencies,” Sahil Farooq said.

He, however, added that if his party does not allow such a contest, he will consider running as an independent candidate, though he will remain a loyal Congress worker.

He has expressed dismay over what he calls ‘continuous neglect’ of local leaders in Ganderbal.

“I am loyal to the party, but the people of Ganderbal are facing hardships,” he said.

Farooq alleged that Ganderbal has always been kept out of the decision-making process with outsiders often being imposed on the constituency.

“Why is Ganderbal always forced to accept outsiders? Our local leaders have never been given a fair chance. If the Congress leadership does not make a decision by this evening, I will proceed to contest independently, but my commitment to the Congress party will remain unchanged. I am doing this for my downtrodden people.”

He wanted the Congress leadership to give him a chance to represent Ganderbal in a friendly contest.

If he finally chooses to stand as an independent candidate against Omar Abdullah, that decision could affect the dynamics of the electoral alliance between the NC and the Congress.

ALSO READ: Modi to visit Brunei, Singapore

Categories
-Top News India News Jammu & Kashmir

BJP to go solo in J&K Assembly elections

The National Conference (NC) has already announced that it will fight the Assembly elections without any pre-poll alliance…reports Asian Lite News

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said on Sunday that the party will fight the Assembly elections in J&K on its own without a pre-poll alliance with any other political party.

The BJP’s J&K president, Ravinder Raina said this while talking to media persons here.

He said, “BJP will fight the Assembly elections in J&K on its own without any pre-poll alliance with any other political party. We will not form any pre-poll alliance with any party. However, we are talking to some independent candidates. BJP can support some independent candidates in 8 to 10 Assembly seats where we believe the independents can win with our support,” Raina said.

The BJP manifesto and mandate committee meeting is being held here this day. Senior party leaders, including the election in charge of J&K elections, G. Kishan Reddy; the national general secretary and in charge of J& K affairs, Tarun Chugh; and Ashish Sood are also attending the meeting.

Taking to reporters, Tarun Chugh said, “Narendra Modiji has put Jammu and Kashmir on the path of development and trust. Every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir is receiving medical insurance worth Rs 5 lakh. New milestones of development are being achieved in every sector, in every district, and in everyday life. Ring roads are being constructed, bridges are being built, water is reaching the homes of the poor, and free ration is being provided.”

He said that young and energetic leaders are joining the BJP.

The National Conference (NC) has already announced that it will fight the Assembly elections without any pre-poll alliance. NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah has announced that he will fight the elections. His son and former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has said he won’t fight the Assembly elections as long as J&K is a union territory. The same decision has been announced by the PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti.

Omar Abdullah, however, kept a window open for himself to join the Assembly polls by saying that he was under pressure from his party cadre and leaders to review his decision and contest the polls.

Reacting to this Tarun Chugh, said that Omar Abdullah was saying until recently that he would not contest the elections, but seeing the possibility of a severe defeat, he is making such statements.

Chug also commented on Omar Abdullah’s statement regarding Article 370, saying that he was in a state of panic. “The decision was made in the country’s highest court, and the judiciary has upheld it,” Chugh said.

He likened Abdullah’s aspirations to “Mungerilal ke sapne (daydreams)”.

He stated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have already learned their lesson, having been subjected to negative leadership for the past seven decades and being chained by the Abdullah family’s politics, which has snatched away the rights of the people.

He further claimed that the Abdullah, Mehbooba, and Nehru families kept Jammu and Kashmir in chains. They were the same people who did not want Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s constitution to be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. Chugh added that it was under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s constitution was applied here, freeing J&K from the chains of Article 370 and 35A.

ALSO READ: BJP hopes to clip Oppn resurgence in UP bypoll

Categories
India News Politics

‘Lotus-shaped trap has snarled India’

New Delhi, Jul 29 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi speaks during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Monday. (ANI Photo/SansadTV)

Speaking on the Union Budget in Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition attacked Modi and said that farmers, workers, and youngsters of the nation are terrified…reports Asian Lite News

Drawing parallels from the Mahabharata, the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party over the Union Budget and said that there’s an atmosphere of fear in the country, adding that the country is now trapped in a “Chakravyuh of lotus,” referring to the BJP’s symbol.

Speaking on the Union Budget 2024 in the Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that farmers, workers, and youngsters of the nation are terrified.

“In the last speech, I spoke about some religious concepts. Shivji’s concept and concept of Ahinsa is that the trishool is placed behind the back and is not held in the hand. I spoke about the snake on Shivji’s neck and I also said how all religions in our country proposed the idea of non-violence, which can be capsulated in the phrase Daro mat Darao mat. I also said that there is an idea beyond the personal. The idea of the Abhay Mudra is that transmits this motion of Ahinsa and affection and fearlessness to everybody else. There is an atmosphere of fear, dar ka mahool hai Hindustan main. My friends are smiling but they are also scared. Budget par hi bol raha hu sir. Sir, you see the problem in the BJP: only one man is allowed to dream of being Prime Minister. If the Defence Minister decides he wants to be Prime Minister, there is a big problem–there is fear. So there is fear in the country. The question I was asking myself was: Why is this fear spreading so deeply? Why is it that my friends in the BJP are terrified, the ministers are terrified, the farmers of India are terrified, and workers and youngsters are terrified,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi criticised the Prime Minister for prominently displaying the lotus symbol and claimed that a new Chakravyuh had been created in the 21st century.

“Thousands of years ago, in Kurukshetra, six people trapped Abhimanyu in a ‘Chakravyuh’ and killed him. I did a little research and found out that ‘Chakravyuh’ is also known as ‘Padmavuyh’ – which means ‘Lotus formation’. Chakravyuh’ is in the shape of a Lotus. In the 21st century, a new ‘Chakravyuh’ has been formed – that too in the form of a Lotus. The Prime Minister wears its symbol on his chest. What was done with Abhimanyu, is being down with India – the youth, farmers, women, small and medium businesses. Abhimanyu was killed by six people. Today, too there are six people in the centre of ‘Chakravyuh’. Six people control India today too -Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Mohan Bhagwat, Ajit Doval, Ambani and Adani,” he added.

Intervening in between Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said “You are on the Constitutional post. Many of your leaders have given me in the writing that jo maniye sadash is sadan la sadash nhi hai uska naam nhi laina hai. This is wrong. From the Leader of the Opposition, I expect that he will follow all the rules and regulations. I expect. You may not follow but I expect this from you.”

After Speaker Om Birla’s intervention, LoP said, “If you want, I will omit the names of NSA, Ambani and Adani, and take just 3 names. If you want, I will use only three names.”

The LoP said that the budget has stabbed the middle class, which enthusiastically banged thalis when asked to do so by Prime Minister Modi.

“The Chakravyuh that has captured India has three forces behind it: first is the idea of monopoly capital, that two people should be allowed to own the entire Indian wealth. So one element of Chakravyuh is coming from the concentration of financial power. I am explaining the Budget. The second element is the agencies, institutions, CBI, ED, and Income Tax departments of the nation and the third is the political executive. These three together are at the heart of the Chakravyuh and they have devastated this country,” he said.

“My expectation was that this budget would weaken the power of this ‘Chakravyuh’, that this budget would help the farmers of this country, would help the youth of this country, would help the labourers, and the small businesses of this country. But what I have seen is that the sole aim of this Budget is to strengthen this framework – a framework of monopoly business, of a political monopoly that destroys the democratic structure and of the deep state and the agencies. The result of this has been – those who gave employment to India, small and medium businesses, were attacked through demonetisation, GST and tax terrorism,” he added.

The LoP said that the ‘Chakravyuh’ that the central government has built is harming crores of people.

“The ‘Chakravyuh’ that you have built is harming crores of people. We are going to break down this ‘Chakravyuh’. the biggest way of doing this, one that scares you, is the Caste Census. Like I said that INDIA Alliance will pass a guaranteed legal MSP in this House, similarly, we will pass Caste Census in this House, whether you like it or not,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi slammed the Centre over the internship announcement in the Budget in which the youths will get the opportunity to do internships in the top 500 companies of the country. (ANI)

ALSO READ-India sends 9 tonnes humanitarian aid to Haiti